US6926301B2 - Foldable ski construction - Google Patents

Foldable ski construction Download PDF

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Publication number
US6926301B2
US6926301B2 US10/308,380 US30838002A US6926301B2 US 6926301 B2 US6926301 B2 US 6926301B2 US 30838002 A US30838002 A US 30838002A US 6926301 B2 US6926301 B2 US 6926301B2
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United States
Prior art keywords
ski
housing
portions
coupled
lever
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Expired - Fee Related, expires
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US10/308,380
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English (en)
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US20040046363A1 (en
Inventor
Ivan Americano Emanuele
Tiziano Lanza
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C5/00—Skis or snowboards
    • A63C5/02—Skis or snowboards collapsible; divided
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
    • A63C2203/10—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts enabling folding, collapsing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a foldable ski construction.
  • skis For transporting skis on a car, in particular, said skis are conventionally coupled to ski holder constructions arranged on the car roof, or, in a bus, they are arranged on specially designed ski holders, which are usually provided on the rear outside surface of the bus.
  • Another problem related to the transportation of skis on an outer surface of the vehicle, is that they could be easily stolen.
  • the aim of the present invention is to provide a foldable ski construction, designed for overcoming the above mentioned problems related to the transportation of skis.
  • a main object of the invention is to provide such a ski construction allowing to fold and extend the skis, by a quick and easy operation.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide such a foldable ski construction, which is reliable and safe in operation.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is provide such a ski allowing to reduce to at least a half the ski size, with respect to a use condition thereof, thereby allowing the folded skis to be arranged in any car baggage, or even in bags, cases or the like.
  • a foldable ski construction characterized in that said foldable ski construction comprises at least a front ski portion and at least a rear ski portion, coupled by at least a foldaway articulated joint means, adapted to define at least two positions, a use position, in which said ski portions are axially aligned, and a folded position, in which said ski portions are substantially adjoining and parallel one another.
  • FIG. 1 is a partial top plan view of the articulation region of a ski construction according to the present invention, the ski being shown in a non folded partially cutaway condition;
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevation view showing ski in a folded condition thereof
  • FIG. 3 is a partial side elevation view illustrating the ski at the articulated joint region thereof, in its folded condition, the dashed lines showing the extended joint condition for opening or closing the ski;
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the, articulated joint according to the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a partially cross-sectioned elevation view of the articulated joint shown at a 90° turned position
  • FIG. 6 is a further partial perspective view of the ski articulated joint region shown in the preceding figures.
  • FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 , showing the skis in a use condition thereof and in an extended position thereof;
  • FIG. 8 is a further exploded view of the articulated joint region of the ski shown in the preceding figures.
  • FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a ski construction according to a further aspect of the invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a side elevation view illustrating the ski of FIG. 9 , in a folded condition thereof;
  • FIG. 11 is a further partial side elevation view illustrating the ski of FIG. 9 , at the articulated joint region thereof and in its folded condition;
  • FIG. 12 is a partially cross-sectioned elevation view illustrating the articulated joint of the preceding figure, shown in a 90°-turned condition thereof;
  • FIG. 13 is a further partial top plan view illustrating the ski of FIG. 9 , at the articulated joint region thereof, and in an extended condition, the dashed lines further showing the ski in a partially folded condition thereof;
  • FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the articulated joint region of the ski shown in FIGS. 9 to 13 .
  • the foldable ski construction which has been generally indicated by the reference number 1 , comprises a front ski portion 2 and a rear ski portion 3 , coupled front half-ski portion 2 and a rear half-ski portion 3 having substantially equal length, said front half-ski portion 2 and rear half-ski portion 3 being coupled, at respective end portions thereof by at least a foldaway articulated joint means 4 , adapted to define at least two positions, of the ski construction, that is a use or extended position, shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 , in which the ski portions 2 and 3 are axially aligned, and a folded ski position, shown in FIG. 2 , in which the ski portions are substantially parallel and adjoining one another, in an overlapping condition with the ski soles in a facing relationship.
  • Said foldaway articulated joint 4 comprises a housing 5 , including a metal body coupled to one end portion of one of the ski portions, for example to the front end portion of the ski rear portion 3 , facing the rear end of the ski front portion 2 .
  • the housing 5 comprises a longitudinally extending recess 6 , closed by a top plate 7 , which partially extends also on the ski rear portion 3 .
  • the longitudinal recess 6 is designed for slidably engaging therein three mutually pivoted elements, comprising a rear element 8 , a central element 9 and a front element 10 .
  • the rear element 8 comprises a shoulder or ridge 11 , designed for interfering against a step element 12 formed inside the longitudinal recess 6 for preventing the rear element 8 from exiting said recess 6 .
  • the front element 10 is provided with an end-piece 13 which can be engaged in a hole 14 formed in a small block 15 , in turn coupled to the rear end of the ski front portion 2 , by a top clamping plate 16 .
  • the front element 10 comprises moreover a laterally extending hole 17 , in which can be engaged a pin 18 coupled to a lever 19 , in turn laterally pivoted inside a side recess 20 , formed on a wall or side of the housing 5 .
  • the lever 19 comprises a push-button 21 which, as it is pressed, causes the lever to turn about a hinge or pivot pin 22 rigid with said housing 5 , for causing said pin 18 to be withdrawn from the side hole 17 of the front element 10 .
  • the lever 19 can operate against the biassing of a resilient element.
  • the rear, central and front elements, respectively 8 , 9 and 10 are mutually articulated according to horizontal axes, with respect to the ground position of the ski, respectively indicated by the reference numbers 23 and 24 .
  • the ski portions 2 and 3 have their ski soles in a facing relationship, as is clearly visible in FIG. 2 .
  • the connecting pins, respectively 25 and 26 , of the rear 8 and front 10 elements comprise recesses 27 , for partially housing a ball element, respectively indicated by 28 and 30 , operating against the biassing of a respective spring 29 and 31 respectively.
  • the springs and related balls are held in said central element 9 and operate to provide discrete positions of the articulated joint, in particular at least a folded ski stable position, as is schematically shown in FIG. 3 .
  • the pivoted or articulated elements 8 , 9 and 10 of the articulated joint 4 are substantially fully engaged in the seat or recess 6 of the housing 5 , as is clearly shown in FIG. 7 .
  • the front element 10 is disengaged from the pin 18 , by operating the lever 19 , and to the front portion 2 of the ski a pulling force is applied.
  • the articulated joint is withdrawn to the limit position thereof imposed by the interference of the shoulder 11 of the rear element 8 against the step element 12 formed inside the longitudinal recess 6 .
  • the articulated joint assembly is prevented from exiting, and the front ski portion 2 is prevented from detaching from the ski rear portion 3 .
  • This position is made stable by the stabilizing means comprising the ball and biassing spring system of the central element 9 .
  • This locking can be automatically performed by an urging spring designed for holding the lever 19 in its closed position.
  • FIGS. 9-14 show a foldable ski construction according to a further aspect of the invention, which has been generally indicated by the reference number 101 .
  • Such half-ski construction embodiment comprises a front ski portion 102 and a rear ski portion 103 , coupled by at least a foldaway articulated joint 104 , designed for defining at least two positions: i.e. a use position, shown in FIG. 9 , in which the ski portions 102 and 103 are axially aligned, and a folded position, shown in FIG. 10 , in which said ski portions are substantially parallel adjoining one another, with the side blades in a facing relationship (instead of providing facing ski soles as in the preceding embodiment).
  • the foldaway articulated joint 104 comprises a housing 105 , including a metal body coupled at one end of one of the ski portions, for example the front end of the rear ski portion 103 facing the rear end of the front ski portion 102 .
  • the housing 105 comprises a longitudinal extending recess or seat 106 , closed by a top plate 107 , which also partially extends on the ski rear portion 103 .
  • the longitudinal recess or seat 106 is designed for slidably engaging therein three mutually pivoted elements, respectively constituted by a rear element 108 , a central element 109 and a front element 110 .
  • the rear element 108 comprises a shoulder or ridge 111 , provided for interfering against a step element 112 , formed inside the longitudinal recess 106 , to prevent the rear element 108 from exiting said recess 106 .
  • the front element 110 comprises an end piece 113 , which can be engaged in a hole 114 , formed in a block 115 in turn clamped to the rear end of the ski front portion 102 , by a top clamping plate 116 .
  • the front element 110 comprises a laterally extending hole 117 designed for engagement with a pin 118 coupled to a lever 119 in turn laterally pivoted inside a side recess 120 formed on a side of the housing 105 .
  • the lever 119 comprises a push-button 121 which, as it is pressed, causes said lever to turn about a hinge or pivot 122 rigid with the housing 105 , for withdrawing the pin 118 from the side hole 117 of the front element 110 .
  • the lever 119 can operate against an urging resilient element.
  • the rear, central and front elements, respectively 108 , 109 and 110 are mutually pivoted or articulated according to vertical axes, with reference to the position of the ski on the ground, which vertical axes have been respectively indicated by the reference numbers 123 and 124 .
  • the portions 102 and 103 will have their side blades in a facing relationship, as is shown in FIG. 10 .
  • the central element 109 comprises, at the end portions thereof, connecting pins, respectively indicated by 125 and 126 , provided with recesses 127 for partially engaging therein a ball element, respectively indicated by 128 and 130 , operating against a urging spring, respectively indicated by 129 and 131 .
  • Said springs and respective ball elements are respectively held in the rear element 108 and front element 110 and are designed for providing discrete positions of the articulated joint.
  • At least a folded ski stable position is provided, as is schematically shown in FIG. 11 .
  • the articulated elements 108 , 109 and 110 of the articulated joint 104 are substantially fully engaged in the recess or seat 106 of the housing 105 .
  • the front element 110 is disengaged from the pin 118 , by operating the lever 119 , and the front portion 102 of the ski is pulled so as to withdraw the articulated joint up to the limit position imposed by the interference of the shoulder 111 of the rear element 108 against the step element 112 formed inside the longitudinal recess 106 , to prevent the articulated joint assembly from exiting and the front ski portion 102 from disengaging from the rear ski portion 103 .
  • the ski can be folded by arranging the two ski portions parallel to one another, as is clearly shown in FIG. 10 .
  • This position is made stable by the above disclosed stabilizing means comprising the articulated joint assembly ball and spring system.
  • the invention provides a foldable ski construction, allowing to quickly and easily fold and extend again the ski, by a quick and easy operation, thereby solving all the problems related to the transportation of the skies.
  • the used materials can be any, depending on requirements and the status of the art.
  • Another consideration related to the preferred materials is that the mechanical components of the skis must not be subjected to excessive thermal expansions.
  • the friction of the component parts must be minimum, and this can be achieved, for example for facilitating the sliding of the articulated joint in its seat, by using an universal lubricating material such a lubricating oil or petrolatum or any other suitable special lubricating agents.
  • the preferred materials should be, for example, stainless steel, teflon, special plastics materials, bronze, brass and the like.
  • preferred materials would be, for example, aluminiumergal materials, providing a very reduced friction.
  • the plates and caps are preferably made of materials such as stainless steel and aluminiumergal materials.

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  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
  • Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
  • Seal Device For Vehicle (AREA)
  • Brushes (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
US10/308,380 2002-09-11 2002-12-03 Foldable ski construction Expired - Fee Related US6926301B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT001930A ITMI20021930A1 (it) 2002-09-11 2002-09-11 Struttura di sci pieghevole.
ITMI2002A001930 2002-09-11

Publications (2)

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US20040046363A1 US20040046363A1 (en) 2004-03-11
US6926301B2 true US6926301B2 (en) 2005-08-09

Family

ID=31986025

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US10/308,380 Expired - Fee Related US6926301B2 (en) 2002-09-11 2002-12-03 Foldable ski construction

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US (1) US6926301B2 (de)
EP (1) EP1410825B1 (de)
AT (1) ATE365064T1 (de)
DE (1) DE60220798D1 (de)
IT (1) ITMI20021930A1 (de)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080174089A1 (en) * 2007-01-21 2008-07-24 Lane Ekberg Apparatus, system, and method for a collapsing approach ski
WO2008089486A2 (en) * 2007-01-21 2008-07-24 Lane Ekberg Apparatus, system, and method for a collapsing approach ski
US20080246236A1 (en) * 2003-12-31 2008-10-09 Frank Lombano Multiple-Section Recreational Board
US20090256332A1 (en) * 2007-02-07 2009-10-15 Lane Ekberg Apparatus, System, and Method for Folding, Stowing, and Deploying Skis
US7976034B1 (en) * 2010-01-25 2011-07-12 Hong Thomas K Foldable skateboard
US20120025508A1 (en) * 2009-03-27 2012-02-02 Paul Clifford Green Collapsible Ski
US8733782B2 (en) 2010-10-15 2014-05-27 BackCountry Garage, LLC Hinge mechanism, collapsible ascension ski having such a hinge mechanism, and related methods and kits
US20170216709A1 (en) * 2016-01-28 2017-08-03 BackCountry Garage, LLC Collapsible ski having fabric hinge

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7020365B2 (en) * 2002-08-29 2006-03-28 Micron Technology, Inc. Resistive heater for thermo optic device
CN102743858B (zh) * 2011-04-20 2014-05-07 托马斯·K·洪 可折叠滑板
US8459670B1 (en) * 2011-11-10 2013-06-11 Vincenzo Tizzone Compact folding long board
US10596447B1 (en) * 2018-12-31 2020-03-24 Ji Ha YI Foldable snow sliding device
SI25860A (sl) * 2019-06-18 2020-12-31 Elan, D.O.O. Zložljiva smučka

Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1317770A (en) * 1919-10-07 Skee oe
US2332404A (en) * 1941-11-12 1943-10-19 Smith Robert Beaton Hinged ski
US2791435A (en) * 1955-06-16 1957-05-07 John M Meland Folding ski
US3689093A (en) * 1970-12-11 1972-09-05 John M Meland Folding ski
US3948535A (en) * 1972-12-02 1976-04-06 Nippon Gakki Seizo Kabushiki Kaisha Ski-equipped crutch
EP0042449A1 (de) * 1980-06-19 1981-12-30 Esper, Herbert, Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Zusammenklappbarer Ski
US4632418A (en) * 1983-06-23 1986-12-30 Manuel Brue Moya Collapsible ski
US5044044A (en) * 1987-04-15 1991-09-03 Gen-Fold Corporation Hinged structure and method of integration in a standard ski construction
JPH06198017A (ja) * 1992-08-10 1994-07-19 Kazuo Takahashi スキー具の滑走板
FR2780293A1 (fr) * 1998-06-26 1999-12-31 Allain Faure Systeme de ski et raquette pouvant s'assembler et permettre de ce fait de pratiquer le ski ou la marche
US20020063411A1 (en) * 2000-11-29 2002-05-30 Pin-Chieh Feng Foldable tricycle
US6616170B1 (en) * 1999-04-16 2003-09-09 Franco Quarti Folding ski

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2952559A1 (de) * 1979-12-28 1981-07-02 Volker Kraus Vorrichtung zur laengenreduzierung eines skis
EP0348391A1 (de) * 1987-12-17 1990-01-03 LEROY, Dominique Einheit, bestehend aus ski und sicherheitsskibindung
DE29702393U1 (de) * 1997-02-12 1997-04-24 Pomper, Lothar, Dipl.-Ing., 04328 Leipzig Klappvorrichtung für Skier

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1317770A (en) * 1919-10-07 Skee oe
US2332404A (en) * 1941-11-12 1943-10-19 Smith Robert Beaton Hinged ski
US2791435A (en) * 1955-06-16 1957-05-07 John M Meland Folding ski
US3689093A (en) * 1970-12-11 1972-09-05 John M Meland Folding ski
US3948535A (en) * 1972-12-02 1976-04-06 Nippon Gakki Seizo Kabushiki Kaisha Ski-equipped crutch
EP0042449A1 (de) * 1980-06-19 1981-12-30 Esper, Herbert, Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Zusammenklappbarer Ski
US4632418A (en) * 1983-06-23 1986-12-30 Manuel Brue Moya Collapsible ski
US5044044A (en) * 1987-04-15 1991-09-03 Gen-Fold Corporation Hinged structure and method of integration in a standard ski construction
JPH06198017A (ja) * 1992-08-10 1994-07-19 Kazuo Takahashi スキー具の滑走板
FR2780293A1 (fr) * 1998-06-26 1999-12-31 Allain Faure Systeme de ski et raquette pouvant s'assembler et permettre de ce fait de pratiquer le ski ou la marche
US6616170B1 (en) * 1999-04-16 2003-09-09 Franco Quarti Folding ski
US20020063411A1 (en) * 2000-11-29 2002-05-30 Pin-Chieh Feng Foldable tricycle

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080246236A1 (en) * 2003-12-31 2008-10-09 Frank Lombano Multiple-Section Recreational Board
US20080174089A1 (en) * 2007-01-21 2008-07-24 Lane Ekberg Apparatus, system, and method for a collapsing approach ski
WO2008089486A2 (en) * 2007-01-21 2008-07-24 Lane Ekberg Apparatus, system, and method for a collapsing approach ski
WO2008089486A3 (en) * 2007-01-21 2008-10-16 Lane Ekberg Apparatus, system, and method for a collapsing approach ski
US20090256332A1 (en) * 2007-02-07 2009-10-15 Lane Ekberg Apparatus, System, and Method for Folding, Stowing, and Deploying Skis
US20120025508A1 (en) * 2009-03-27 2012-02-02 Paul Clifford Green Collapsible Ski
US8820769B2 (en) * 2009-03-27 2014-09-02 Paul Clifford Green Collapsible ski
US7976034B1 (en) * 2010-01-25 2011-07-12 Hong Thomas K Foldable skateboard
US8733782B2 (en) 2010-10-15 2014-05-27 BackCountry Garage, LLC Hinge mechanism, collapsible ascension ski having such a hinge mechanism, and related methods and kits
US20170216709A1 (en) * 2016-01-28 2017-08-03 BackCountry Garage, LLC Collapsible ski having fabric hinge
US10758811B2 (en) * 2016-01-28 2020-09-01 BackCountry Garage, LLC Collapsible ski having fabric hinge

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ITMI20021930A1 (it) 2004-03-12
EP1410825A1 (de) 2004-04-21
ATE365064T1 (de) 2007-07-15
EP1410825B1 (de) 2007-06-20
DE60220798D1 (de) 2007-08-02
US20040046363A1 (en) 2004-03-11

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